Korean peace talks to resume in Geneva

VANCOUVER, Canada (JP): Talks to find a lasting and stable peace in the Korean peninsula, which has been divided since a 1953 armistice, will begin next month in Geneva.

The talks are aimed at replacing the 34-year-old armistice which effectively halted the Korean war, United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright announced Friday.

Senior officials from the United States, South Korea, North Korea and China will begin negotiations on Dec. 9.

"These will be the first international talks on replacing the 1953 armistice which was originally intended to be a temporary arrangement," said Albright.

"This significant diplomatic accomplishment is the proof of the process launched by President Clinton and R.O.K. (South Korean) President Kim in April 1996," she told journalists following a meeting with her Canadian counterpart Lloyd Axworthy.

"We are very pleased that these talks are coming about," Albright added.

Albright seemed quite pragmatic on the heavy task ahead and was under no illusion that it would be an easy process.

"We know that this is the beginning of a long road, however success is in the interest of all the parties as it is in the interest of the region and the world as a whole," she remarked.

South Korean foreign minister Yoo Chong-haa said that Seoul "is very happy" about the prospects of the talks.

Nevertheless, he expressed some guarded optimism: "I would like to advise against any early optimism, but I should like to emphasize that the opportunity toward a durable peace in the Korean peninsula is there".

When asked, Yoo dismissed suggestions that the withdrawal of U.S. troops in South Korea would be considered in the talks.

Withdrawal of troops is a question between South Korea and the U.S., and should not be involved in the talks, he asserted.

Yoo and Albright are in Vancouver to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. (mds)